Intergenerational Regional Economic Development Strategy Guided by Te Tai Tokerau Northland Thought Leaders

Steering Group members have been announced to guide Te Ōhanga Rautaki Whānui o Te Tai Tokerau, the Northland Regional Economic Development Strategy.

The Tiriti o Waitangi based strategy will be intergenerational and developed in partnership with iwi and hapū, communities, business and industry sectors alongside local and central government.

The Steering Group will consist of: Justice Heteraka, Shane Witehira, Blanche Murray, Carol Berghan, Lindsay Faithfull, Mihi Harris, Sir Brian Roche, Liz Oliver, Justin Blaikie, Kathryn De Bruin, Tania McInnes and a representative of Te Kahu o Taonui, the regional iwi Chairs’ forum.

Regional economic development agency Northland Inc Chair, Nicole Anderson, says she is thrilled with the diversity, and range of skills that the Steering Group brings together.

“This Steering Group embodies a wide range of experience and expertise which we see as being crucial to developing a comprehensive, enduring and practical economic strategy for our region. With the focus on building a strategy which will lay the foundations in Te Tai Tokerau for generations to come, I’m particularly pleased with our youth who have put their hands up to be involved” she says.

Iwi Chair, Harry Burkhardt, says that the representation of regional iwi and hāpu on the Steering Group will be important to addressing key regional issues such as equity, and better outcomes for whānau in the Taitokerau Northland region.

“The intention of Te Ōhanga Rautaki Whānui o Te Tai Tokerau is to establish sustainable foundations around key pillars of social, cultural and environmental priorities as outlined in He Tangata, He Whenua, He Oranga through a culture of genuine collaboration. We want to ensure everyone can see themselves in this strategy. The strong representation from regional iwi and hāpu on the Steering Group will help to ensure that this strategy generates transformational change across Te Tai Tokerau that meets the aspirations of our people” says Burkhardt.

 The Steering Group will meet next month to begin this journey, with opportunity for further input and delivery from individuals and communities across the region as the strategy progresses.

Anderson says “the strategy will provide a platform for Te Tai Tokerau which is forward thinking, sustainable and builds shared prosperity for all. Incorporating learnings from existing plans globally to locally, such as the Tai Tokerau Northland Economic Action Plan.  The Steering Group will bring together the knowledge of past and current generations to guide the development of a strategy which will help Te Tai Tokerau navigate the challenges and opportunities of today and into the future.”

“He waka eke noa, we’re embarking on this journey together as a region, and we’re looking forward to everyone’s input along the way.  It is certainly an exciting time for Te Tai Tokerau”.

Media - for further information, please contact:

On behalf of Northland Inc
Hannah Mackay
Communications Specialist

M: 021 1777 110
E: communications@northlandnz.com